One of the more unusual choices in tomorrow's election will be between a member of a famous political family and...a Milwaukee alderman who's in jail. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

One day before the election... Judge Michael Gableman barnstormed the state, seeking support in a heated campaign with incumbent Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler. Glen Moberg reports from Wausau.…

Justice Louis Butler says he thinks voters will reject the negative campaign of challenger Michael Gableman when they head to the polls tomorrow. Shawn Johnson reports...…

Wisconsin's governors can do more than veto legislation they don't like -- they currently have broad authority to strike words and numbers to recraft legislation. Voters will get to determine whether that should be unconstitutional. A referendum question deciding that issue will be on the April first ballot. Shamane Mills reports…

It was a good winter for Wisconsin's only elk herd, in spite of wolves getting a belly full in the past couple of months. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

The proper role of city attorney in local governments is a key election issue tomorrow...as the only Hispanic in the state Legislature is taking on a longtime incumbent in Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler and his challenger, Burnett County Judge Michael Gableman, will make a final appeal today in advance of tomorrow's Supreme Court election. Shawn Johnson reports...

It's Opening Day for the Milwaukee Brewers! The Brewers will take on their arch-rivals, the Chicago Cubs, at what promises to be a chilly and windy Wrigley Field this afternoon. The Brewers had a good season last year. They held an 8-and-a-half game lead in their division in late June, but it dwindled away in the last three months of the season, and Milwaukee ended up finishing a close second to the Cubs. The Brewers are expected to contend for a spot in the playoff this season. That's something they haven't achieved since...1982. A lot has changed since then, and that's something that gives blogger Josh Wilker pause for thought.…

Members of the Wisconsin Green Party will meet this weekend to find out who they're nominating for President. The Green Party sent out ballots to its members...and tomorrow in Oshkosh they'll announce who gets the endorsement for their party's top spot at their convention later this summer. Patty Murray reports…

One in five Wisconsin residents who are old enough to vote are expected to head to the polls for Tuesday's Supreme Court election. Shawn Johnson reports..…

The state is creating a task force on arts and creativity in education. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A study done by a UW-Madison researcher indicates the brain changes when people meditate a certain way, with the intention of fostering compassion for others. Shamane Mills reports…

Weston police say it could be weeks before they decide whether to recommend charges against parents whose 11-year old daughter died from diabetes treated with prayer. The case focuses attention on laws designed to protect children while allowing parents freedom of religion. Shamane Mills reports…

In spite of the slow economy, a port official says Lake Superior shipping will be riding the waves of success. Danielle Kaeding reports on what’s ahead for this year’s shipping season…

There's more evidence that a cougar spotted in Southern Wisconsin may be from the wild. But the DNR says the male cat may not stay here very long if it can't find a mate. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

An Iron River-based technology processing plant in northern Wisconsin received a large federal government contract to destroy information, and to do it in a green way. It's the first contract of its kind. Tegan Wendland reports from Superior…

Ten college women will shave their heads today (Friday) to help people battling cancer. Tegan Wendland reports from Superior…

Judge Micheal Gableman says if he's elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court he'll give a "fair application to the plain language of the law." It's a judicial philosophy he says his opponent, Justice Louis Butler, has ignored. But Gableman's campaign has spent less time criticizing the fine points of Butler's decisions than it's spent presenting Gableman as a judge who's tough on crime. In the process, Gableman has blatantly portrayed Butler as a Justice who sides with criminals, an attack critics say has damaged the integrity of the judicial system. Shawn Johnson reports…

Wisconsin will soon have a second museum that looks at the Civil War Era. The Kenosha Civil War Museum will be dedicated tomorrow (SAT), in advance of its public opening in June. Kenosha officials say their site will be much different from the State Veterans Museum Civil War exhibit in Madison. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

There are more controversial television ads from outside groups trying to affect the State Supreme Court race between incumbent Justice Louis Butler and challenger Michael Gableman. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

If voters return Justice Louis Butler to the State Supreme Court next Tuesday, he would become the first African-American ever elected to the position in Wisconsin. Butler was appointed to fill an open seat on the court four years ago by Governor Jim Doyle. Since then he's sided with the majority in some high profile cases that critics have said are signs of an "activist" bench. In many ways, it's made this race a referendum on Butler's record, both on the Supreme Court... and as a public defender more than 15 years ago. Wisconsin Public Radio's Shawn Johnson has this report…

The D-N-R says the federal government is wrong about an air pollution decision affecting much of Eastern Wisconsin. But the state says it will now try to do what the Environmental Protection Agency wants. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Governor Jim Doyle is making more stops around the state, promoting a plan to make the state more energy independent. In Appleton Wednesday, he likened the boom in renewable fuels to Wisconsin's dairy renaissance of the early 20th century. The governor says the state can position itself as a leader in the development of wind energy, ethanol...and technologies that haven't been developed yet. Patty Murray reports…

The U.S. Department of Energy predicts diesel prices will remain high. The financial strain of that is widespread. Wisconsin truckers are paying more to fill up and consumers are shelling out more to buy items that are transported. Shamane Mills reports…

Researchers are looking at new ways to control sea lamprey in Lake Superior, but scientists are walking a balance between helping and hurting the environment. Danielle Kaeding reports from Superior…

Spooner is picking up the pieces after an explosion and fire seriously injured two workers and forced part of the city to evacuate one week ago (March 18). Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

Where people can smoke was hotly debated during efforts to enact a statewide smoking ban in restaurants and bars . Now anti tobacco forces are warning of the dangers of smoking in private homes. Shamane Mills reports…

A new report says thousands of Americans are dying due to lack of health insurance. The "Famlies USA" report says the uninsured delay care...often to the point where their illnesses are beyond treatment. Patty Murray reports…

Despite state budget problems, Governor Doyle is pressing ahead with an energy research program...and a plan to help local governments become more energy efficient. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

On Tuesday, the Democratic-controlled Wisconsin Senate passed its version of a fix for a hole in the state budget that's hundreds of millions of dollars deep. Shawn Johnson reports…

Justice Louis Butler called an attack ad run against him by Judge Michael Gableman "disgusting and embarrassing" during a debate between the Supreme Court candidates last night in Madison. Gableman in turn criticized Butler's work on the bench, calling him an activist justice whose decisions stray from the plain language of the law. Wisconsin Public Radio's Shawn Johnson has this recap…

The EPA says Wisconsin is late filing a plan to meet a federal ozone pollution standard. So, what's called a "sanction clock" is now ticking. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Peace groups and... people on the street... are marking the death toll of U.S. soldiers in Iraq. The Associated Press says the number of U.S. military fatalities reached 4-thousand this week. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Now that a 238 page report has been issued on the Future of Farming and Rural Life in Wisconsin, organizers are grappling with how to enact its proposals. Glen Moberg reports…

Football fans in the far northern Wisconsin got to be the first part of a whistlestop tour by Hollywood headliners George Clooney and Renee Zellweger. The two stopped in Duluth Monday to promote their upcoming football comedy film ‘Leatherheads. Although the movie was shot in North Carolina, it is based in 1926 Duluth. “Leatherheads” premieres in theaters on April 4th. Danielle Kaeding reports...

This weekend's snowfall added to an already record Madison winter. A total of 100.4 inches has fallen. The precipitation also increased concerns about flooding in several southern Wisconsin counties. Shamane Mills reports…

This month's announcement of a new federal standard for ozone pollution MIGHT lead to fewer restrictions for two fast-growing Wisconsin counties. But that depends on how the state and federal governments view a REGIONAL approach to reducing smog. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The State Senate is scheduled to vote on its version of a budget fix Tuesday but already, Governor Jim Doyle is looking ahead to what happens next. As Shawn Johnson reports... Doyle says he hopes legislative leaders get together immediately to work out their differences…

Several hundred people are expected Tuesday at a funeral service in Cambridge for Ann Nelson. The popular Realtor was killed last week while showing a home. An Illinois man has been arrested in her death. Meanwhile, real estate industry officials say Nelson's death is a wake-up call, and has them reviewing ways to keep Realtors safe on the job. Shamane Mills reports…

State budget problems.....present, and past.... are creeping into some local election races this spring. That's particularly true in the contest for Milwaukee County Executive, which features current and former state lawmakers. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

With the tax filing deadline now just a few weeks away, state revenue officials are encouraging people not only to get their forms in by the April 15th deadline, but to do so electronically. As Brian Bull reports, online tax returns are becoming more popular…

The Wisconsin Senate will convene tomorrow to pass its version of a state budget repair bill to fix a 650-million dollar shortfall. The plan differs significantly from the one drawn up by the state Assembly. But lawmakers from both chambers and both parties are unified on delaying a state school aid payment to balance the books. Shawn Johnson reports…

A national report says Wisconsin has a shortage of public hospital beds for the mentally ill. State officials say demand appears to be going up as stigma goes down.. ...and diagnosis gets better. Shamane Mills reports…

As we mark the beginning of the sixth year of the Iraq War, questions are being raised about the repeated deployments of the volunteers in the national guard, and the toll on their families. Glen Moberg reports…

A survey of campaign advertising through mid-March shows that outside interest groups outspent the candidates for Wisconsin Supreme Court by a more than nine-to-one margin. Shawn Johnson reports…

The recording industry is pressuring Congress to clamp down on illegal file sharing at college campuses. Embedded in the Higher Education Act are provisions that would require universities to develop plans to provide music and movie services online. The colleges would also have to explore computer programs that stop illegal downloading. Shamane Mills reports…

Janesville’s G-M plant is now alternating between using its first and second shift workers, to keep production going in light of a strike at a major parts supplier. Brian Bull reports…

A Senate panel has advanced a budget repair bill that would avoid deep cuts by collecting more taxes from corporations. As Shawn Johnson reports... it would also go along with Governor Jim Doyle's hospital tax and spend more on a commuter rail line…

Flood warnings are still in effect for several rivers in central and southern Wisconsin. The National Weather Service says there’s been some minor flooding, but they don’t expect this weekend’s snow storms to make things any worse. Brian Bull reports…

The first Wisconsin city to be used as a backdrop for a movie about John Dillinger is looking forward to the filmmakers return in April or May. During the first stint of filming, Columbus merchants sold all sorts of items: everything from lumber and paint used on the set... to food for film crews and onlookers. Shamane Mills reports…

A proposed commuter rail line is back in the running at the State Legislature. But critics hope the train never leaves the station... unless it has a new funding source. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A series of anti-war protests across Wisconsin marked the 5-year anniversary of the Iraq War on Wednesday. In Madison, several demonstrators targeted a military recruiting station, and were quickly met by police. Brian Bull was there and has this report…

Protesters gathered in La Crosse Wednesday to show their continued opposition to the war. Maureen McCollum reports on one group’s vigil…

What many are calling the proposed "hospital tax" remains a much-debated item as the Wisconsin Senate takes up the state budget repair bill. Chuck Quirmbach reports from a hearing Wednesday in Milwaukee…

Longtime Wisconsin Democrat Dave Obey has a new Republican opponent for the Seventh Congressional District seat. Glen Moberg reports…

A plan to repair the hole in the state budget could be voted on by a State Senate committee Thursday. One contentious issue may be whether to use hundreds of millions of transportation dollars. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Recently Green Bay got federal money to install security cameras downtown. Now Madison has its own set of electronic eyes. These surveillance cameras will watch over the city's water supply. Shamane Mills reports…

Supreme Court Candidate Michael Gableman is standing by his T-V ad that attacks Justice Louis Butler for his work as a public defender. Shawn Johnson reports…

The D-N-R is proposing a compromise over minnows, as the department tries to make anglers and the Legislature happy over permanent rules to limit the spread of a fish-killing virus. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The northwoods town of Spooner was rocked by a sudden explosion and fire Tuesday forcing evacuation and leaving firefighters fighting a chemical blaze. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

Five years after the war began, Iraq war veterans are easing back into society better with the help of other veterans. Danielle Kaeding reports from Superior…

Milwaukee residents and others with a stake in the state budget will tell state senators about their concerns at a public hearing on the U-W Milwaukee campus today. Shawn Johnson reports…

An ongoing strike by 36-hundred workers against Detroit-based American Axle has affected operations at nearly 30 General Motors plants nationwide. This morning, workers at G-M's Janesville plant will get specifics on what next week's production schedule will be...after production was cut in half this week. Brian Bull reports…

You can weigh in this afternoon on some recommendations from a Wisconsin panel that's looking at reducing global warming. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The city of Wausau is mourning one of central Wisconsin's most influential political leaders. Glen Moberg reports…

The Doyle Administration is defending itself against charges of downplaying fine particle pollution in Wisconsin...and of ignoring a technical report from D-N-R staff . Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

Governor Jim Doyle says it's getting harder for opponents of a hospital tax to resist this option as a budget-fix. Republicans, however, say they'll plug the state shortfall other ways. Shamane Mills reports…

Flood warnings are in effect for several rivers in southern Wisconsin. And as Brian Bull reports, conditions are likely to increase the chances of floods in the affected areas…

The DNR has approved a permit for a large development project along the Wisconsin River and next to a State Natural Area. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A law to boost the number of Wisconsin organ donors makes it easier for people to sign up. Shamane Mills reports…

The economic downturn across the U-S has people pinching pennies. Yet several Wisconsin charity representatives say they’re fairly optimistic about receiving donations. Brian Bull has more…

The prostitution scandal involving former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer is prompting a closer look at escort services in many cities -- including Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A longtime member of Congress could face a primary challenger this year. Sixth District Representative Tom Petri may have to face off against a high profile prosecutor. Patty Murray reports…

Come April, voters will decide whether to change Wisconsin's constitution to limit the veto power of future governors. This amendment will be on the ballot --- however, most don't make it that far. Recently, the Assembly approved a proposal that would make universal health care illegal. Shamane Mills reports…

Wisconsin motorists are not only going to be shelling out more money to pay for higher gas prices, but also to simply keep their vehicles running due to crumbling roads and highways. That’s according to a new report by a national transportation research group. Brian Bull reports…

Early next month, U-W Madison students can vote on whether they’d back a raise in tuition to help bring in students from Iraq. While backers say it’d be a nominal increase that would help Iraqi scholars finish their degrees, some question the funding and focus of the program. Brian Bull reports…

Washburn County looking at what’s appropriate in the workplace after an incident earlier this year between an employee and supervisor. Danielle Kaeding reports…

A bio-fuels research center that received one of the largest grants in U-W Madison history says it's hiring people and has started work on renewable alternatives to traditional gasoline. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Snowmobilers who drink and drive on the trails could suffer the same penalties as if they were caught behind a steering wheel, including license revocation. Brian Bull explains…

The Red Cross is reaching out to younger blood donors. Sixteen year olds can give blood under a law signed by Governor Jim Doyle today. Shamane Mills reports…

Environmental groups say they may sue Alliant Energy over state permit concerns at one of Wisconsin's largest coal-fired power plants. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Several hundred Hmong marched at the state capitol yesterday, to call attention to the persecution of Hmong civilians in Laos. The rally was one of several planned this week across the United States. Brian Bull attended the event and produced this report…

FBI Director Robert Mueller was in Wisconsin yesterday....answering some questions about his agency ....and avoiding others. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin hospitals would have to offer emergency contraception to rape victims who ask for it under a bill signed into law Thursday by the Governor. Shamane Mills reports…

Democrats and Republicans have now each offered a different blueprint for how the state should deal with a budget that's hundreds of millions in the red. A group that analyzes Wisconsin's budget says both parties are working from a similar playbook of one-time fixes. Shawn Johnson reports...…

The long winter soldiers on...but at least many parts of Wisconsin can take cold comfort in the fact that it's been one for the record books. A light snow Thursday morning in Green Bay broke the official record for the most snow in that area. Patty Murray reports.…

The first elk born in Wisconsin from a transplanted herd was lost...but like a prodigal daughter...it has been found and is being welcomed back into the fold. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.…

Governor Jim Doyle has nothing nice to say about the budget repair bill Assembly Republicans passed Wednesday night. Shawn Johnson reports...

An energy expert who correctly predicted the current upswing in gasoline prices says the energy pinch should prompt changes in Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Federal budget cuts could mean the end of the war on drugs for several state drug task forces. Federal grant money has been more than cut in half. Danielle Kaeding reports from Superior…

UW-Superior musicians leave for China today. Vanessa Feltes reports that they’ve worked hard for this moment to travel to the other side of the world…

A summit focusing on advancing the use of stem cells is planned this fall in Wisconsin. The event is expected to draw attendees from around the world. Shamane Mills reports…

Months of legislative wrangling over the state’s virtual schools hasn’t hurt interest in them much, according to several administrators. As Brian Bull reports, the heads of three sizable virtual schools base their conclusions on the number of applications for the coming fall term…

About five-percent of the people in Wisconsin are considered "problem gamblers." Gambling counselors and social workers will meet in Green Bay this week. One area up for discussion is senior citizens and gambling…

More Wisconsin counties could be affected under a tighter national standard for ozone pollution that was announced last evening. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A new study offers recommendations on how to create so-called green jobs in Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A plan that would have taken away the power of local governments to regulate wind farms is dead for this legislative session. Shawn Johnson reports…

Republicans in the Wisconsin Assembly passed a budget repair bill last night that would cut state agencies across the board, deplete any state reserves and use an accounting trick that delays state aid to schools. As Shawn Johnson reports... it's a much different approach than Governor Jim Doyle advocated earlier this week for fixing a budget hole that's hundreds of millions of dollars deep…

The UW Madison has won a big battle over intellectual property. The university's technology transfer arm has now fended off challenges to all three disputed embryonic stem cell patents . Shamane Mills reports…

State lawmakers from both parties and the governor have reached a new deal that would let virtual schools stay open in Wisconsin. Shawn Johnson reports...

Last week Governor Jim Doyle announced a new phrase that is aimed at setting Wisconsin apart from the crowd-- "Originality Rules." It's being called a "brand platform" that other groups can build on to draw new business to the state. A number of Wisconsin cities already have brands of their own, or are developing ones. Patty Murray has more on the branding concept…

Governor Jim Doyle and several lawmakers from both parties yesterday called on leaders in the state Assembly to immediately take up and pass the multi-state Great Lakes Water Compact. But Doyle also conceded he'd be open to finishing the work on the compact at a later date. Shawn Johnson reports...…

Roughly 3600 workers at a Detroit-based axle maker are still on strike, causing auto-giant General Motors to cut production at several plants, including its Janesville facility. Brian Bull reports…

Wisconsin is part of the national boom in the production of corn-based ethanol. But a Wisconsin researcher has helped write a new study that says increased ethanol production will take its toll on the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

The D-N-R is offering two options for coal-fired power plants-- to meet proposed Wisconsin targets to reduce mercury pollution. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The number of hate groups in America has risen by 48-percent, according to a new report by a civil rights legal organization. As Brian Bull reports, the continuing immigration debate means the number may keep growing…

Security clearance cards will be required at every U.S. port this fall. Danielle Kaeding reports the special IDs will contain port workers’ personal information…

The most recent version of a universal health plan proposed by Democrats is getting support from a legislator who favors a competing proposal. Shamane Mills reports…

Governor Jim Doyle wants to raise the hospital tax, delay new state programs, and borrow more to shore up a 650-million dollar hole in Wisconsin's state budget. As Shawn Johnson reports the Governor introduced his plan yesterday without the support of either the Republican Assembly Speaker or the Democratic Senate Majority Leader…

The air may be warmer this week but pollution in the air could become a health threat to some people across much of Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A new hiring survey predicts more Wisconsin employers plan to hire instead of fire during the next three months. That's despite ongoing concerns about a national economic slowdown. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A key state Assembly lawmaker says the legislature needs more time to pass a Great Lakes Water Compact that's in the best interest of every Wisconsin resident. As Shawn Johnson reports that means the issue won't get resolved before lawmakers adjourn later this week…

Six Wisconsin communities have become the first to sign a deal with the DNR to remove mercury from the environment faster than state law would require. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A major campaign donor to Governor Jim Doyle and Congressman Paul Ryan won’t be going to prison. A federal judge in Milwaukee has instead sentenced Kenosha businessman Dennis Troha to six months probation. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker says a statewide smoking ban that phases in taverns three years from now remains the best option on the table with just a few days remaining this legislative session. Shawn Johnson reports…

This past week marked National Peace Corps Week and former volunteers with the Corps have been spending time in Wisconsin classrooms talking about their experiences. Glen Moberg reports …

One of the first signs of spring appears tomorrow on Lake Superior: The Coast Guard will begin its ice breaking after a particularly cold, rough winter. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

Next month, UW Madison students can show if they'd help put up money for bringing Iraqi students to campus. Backers of the idea say a slight increase in tuition could bring anywhere from two to five scholars from that country to finish their degrees here. Brian Bull reports …

Victims of clergy abuse are hoping to see action this week on a bill to eliminate a time restriction on victims filing lawsuits. But a key Republican lawmaker opposes the measure. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

This is the last week of regular business for the Wisconsin legislature, and it's going to be a busy one. It kicks off this morning with a public hearing on the latest incarnation of Senate Democrats' universal health care plan. Shawn Johnson has this preview …

The Wisconsin Senate has approved legislation that would ratify the multi-state Great Lakes Water Compact. Shawn Johnson reports…

This morning, a federal judge in Milwaukee will sentence a prominent businessman who has donated money to many public officials, including Governor Jim Doyle. A state watchdog group hopes legislators in Madison pay attention. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin’s honey production is waning, according to new figures from the state agricultural statistics service. As Brian Bull reports, beekeepers are split as to why…

Talking about the lynching of three black men...wrongfully held in the alleged rape of a white woman...is tough. But now a group in Duluth is releasing a curriculum for high school and college students to talk about one of the darkest moments in that city's history. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

A contentious debate over a Wisconsin Rapid high school’s mascot may take another turn…back to square one. Brian Bull explains…

Brett Favre bid an emotional farewell to his team and his fans today. Facing the media at Lambeau Field, he admitted he might come to regret his retirement from the Green Bay Packers, but that it is his final decision. Favre said he's just not up for another football season. Patty Murray reports.…

World-champion cyclist Lance Armstrong says even if he’s retired from competitive racing, he’s in a “lifelong relationship” with Trek Bicycle, based in Waterloo. Brian Bull reports…

Five Wisconsin video service providers have applied for statewide franchises. It could mean more choices for customers, and lower prices. But, a spokeswoman with one of the companies says don’t expect to see any major changes anytime soon. Steve Roisum reports…

UW Madison officials are optimistic that a new, emergency text-alert system will work for the majority of campus users, despite recent glitches with the service at a Minnesota university. Brian Bull has more…

Key Senate and Assembly lawmakers from both political parties are making a last minute push this session for a plan that would scale back the power of local governments to object to wind farms. Shawn Johnson reports…

Wisconsin National Guard helicopters airlifted twenty-three dead trees to the shoreline of a Fond du Lac County lake yesterday. (W) It's an unusual experiment in creating wildlife habitat and it served as training for a Guard unit that may someday head to Iraq. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

10-year-old kids would be able to go hunting with adult mentors in Wisconsin under a plan the state Assembly passed last night. Shawn Johnson reports…

The State Assembly voted last night to end Wisconsin’s moratorium on constructing new nuclear power plants. But the decades-old law won't be stricken from the books this year. Shawn Johnson reports…

Governor Jim Doyle's push for a statewide smoking ban got a high profile boost yesterday from world champion cyclist Lance Armstrong. The seven-time winner of the Tour deFrance and the Governor made their case before a crowd of more than a thousand people in Madison. Brian Bull reports…

A plan to ban smoking in all Wisconsin workplaces passed a Republican-controlled State Assembly committee today/yesterday with support from both parties. But there's still no sign that legislative leaders will let it advance any further this session. Shawn Johnson reports…

Cheeseheads are digesting the news that quarterback Brett Favre intends to retire from the Green Bay Packers. The news was expected...but still came as a shock to some. Favre leaves behind one of the best records in the NFL. Patty Murray reports…

The State Senate voted yesterday to let judges choose for themselves whether to launch a criminal investigation when inmates allege they've been victims of crimes. Shawn Johnson reports…

Many football fans are mourning Brett Favre's retirement from the Green Bay Packers. But at least one of the fans is also praising Favre's work to help those troubled by abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

The outcome of two state Supreme Court cases being heard this week could make it easier for victims of childhood sexual abuse to bring their abusers to justice no matter how long ago the abuse took place. The court heard oral arguments in the first of these cases yesterday. Gil Halsted reports…

The Wisconsin Senate voted yesterday to get rid of a state law that requires judges to suspend someone's drivers license when they're convicted of a drug crime. Shawn Johnson reports...

The city of Kenosha may soon join a long list of towns and cities to enact strict residency restrictions for released sex offenders. Some supporters of the ordinance acknowledge it won't improve public safety, but they fear the city will become a dumping ground for sex offenders if they don't adopt it. Gil Halsted reports…

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is setting up an emergency text-messaging service, designed to alert students, staff, and faculty of dangerous situations on campus. Brian Bull reports…

Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler says it's unfair for his challenger, Burnett County Judge Michael Gableman, to label Butler as a liberal. Shawn Johnson reports...…

A Wisconsin boat-maker is getting another big contract from the U-S Coast Guard. Marinette Marine will build 18 of the boats. They're bigger and faster than the Coast Guard's aging fleet of smaller crafts. Patty Murray reports…

Milwaukee's police chief and mayor are calling on a Wisconsin company to stop coating guns in bright colors. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Native American tribal judges and attorney's are optimistic that the state Supreme Court will soon approve a petition to adopt new rules that would send more business their way. The petition was a topic of discussion at a recent Native American law student seminar in Madison. Gil Halsted reports…

Large dead trees will be lifted by helicopter and placed along a lake shoreline to improve wildlife habitat. The lift is scheduled to happen this week in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Fond du Lac County. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

A service that helps smokers kick the habit is garnering more interest than ever before. The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line received a record number of calls the first two months of this year. Shamane Mills reports…

A civil rights leader who has led humanitarian missions to Cuba says the change in Cuban leadership won't affect that country's view of the United States. But the Reverend Lucius Walker says he sees hope that the US may change its view toward Cuba next year. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Trial lawyers in Wisconsin are celebrating a string of legislative victories in the State Senate, but as Glen Moberg reports those victories may be short lived…

Clergy abuse victims in Milwaukee are upset with a Catholic newspaper that printed a letter which some say draws comparisons between abuse victims and prostitutes. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The affordability of a state university education is on the UW System Board of Regents’ agenda this week. The balancing act will involve boosting revenue while keeping higher education affordable, yet also produce a diverse student body. Brian Bull reports…

While national headlines echo concerns over the economy and employment, a new report says those issues are playing out fine in Wisconsin. Brian Bull reports…

Agents from the federal Immigration and Customs agency, or ICE, have been stepping the number of arrests of undocumented immigrants in Wisconsin recently. It's a trend that's beginning to worry some Wisconsin dairy farmers who employ immigrant milkers from Mexico. Gil Halsted reports…

Environmentally-conscious anglers may be attracted to a stronger plastic fishing lure. Chuck Quirmbach reports…